Required Documents to Enter Costa Rica
Good to Know
Traveling to Costa Rica is straightforward, requiring a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and a confirmed airline ticket departing within 90 days. Most visitors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe are exempt from visa requirements. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for arrivals from specific countries. Always verify current regulations via the Costa Rica Embassy website for the most up-to-date information.
This is a tricky question as the regulations have changed several times without notice over the last few years. Therefore, we recommend that you visit the Costa Rica Embassy website for exact details.
The short answer is: You will need the following documents to enter Costa Rica:
1. A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival to Costa Rica.
2. An airline ticket in your name to leave Costa Rica within 90 days of your arrival date.
Citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries are not required to have a visa to visit Costa Rica.
Visit the Costa Rica Embassy website for your specific country.
You will be required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from any of the following countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, and Venezuela.
Once in Costa Rica, you are required to carry your passport or a copy of it which includes the complete photo and data page as well as the visa stamp page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are essential for entering Costa Rica?
You must present a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and an airline ticket confirming your departure from Costa Rica within 90 days.
Is a visa necessary for U.S. or European citizens visiting Costa Rica?
Citizens from the United States, Canada, and most European countries do not require a visa for tourist visits to Costa Rica.
Which travelers need a yellow fever vaccination for Costa Rica?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from specific countries, including Angola, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, among others listed on the embassy website.
What identification should I carry while in Costa Rica?
While in Costa Rica, you are required to carry your passport or a clear copy showing the complete photo and data page, as well as any visa stamp page.